Papua New Guinea is launching a significant initiative aimed at reducing the alarming rate of violence fueled by illegal firearms in the country. With the recent escalation of tribal fighting, particularly in the Highlands region, the government has launched a gun amnesty and buyback scheme that commenced on February 27 and will continue until late August.
Police Minister Sir John Pundari, who underscored the importance of this initiative, described it as a national movement for peace and community safety. Under this scheme, citizens have the opportunity to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms without facing penalties, receiving cash payments in return. While the government has not disclosed specific payment amounts, it has indicated that compensation will differ from province to province, with some offering additional support for individuals looking to transition to agriculture-based businesses.
Pundari emphasized the program’s role in protecting lives, stating, “If this programme prevents even one massacre, it is not a reward, it is a strategic investment in human life.” This buyback scheme is part of a broader governmental effort to restore order, which also includes implementing stricter penalties for illegal gun possession. In Papua New Guinea, while gun ownership is legal, firearms must be properly registered and licensed through the police.
According to a report by former defense force commander Jerry Singirok prepared for the UN, there are an estimated 100,000 illegal guns in circulation in the country. Alarmingly, only about 12 percent of small arms are legally licensed and registered, according to a 2025 UNDP report. Prime Minister James Marape highlighted the dire implications of illegal firearms, stating that many were funded by external parties and have led to widespread chaos. He warned of stringent consequences for those who do not surrender their weapons during the amnesty, assuring that law enforcement will become “firm and uncompromising” once the period concludes.
The government aims to clear the Highlands region of firearms ahead of the 2027 national elections, a time historically associated with increased violence. The area’s situation has worsened recently, intensified by factors such as land disputes, tribal rivalries, and economic struggles. While tribal disputes have existed in Papua New Guinea for years, the increasing availability of high-powered firearms and explosives has escalated these conflicts into deadly confrontations.
In light of the challenges that remain, Pundari advocated for greater collaboration with tribal leaders, churches, and community organizations to further mitigate violence. He noted that stabilizing the Enga Province is critical for local communities and the broader Highlands Highway corridor, which is essential for transport and trade between the highlands and the coastal city of Lae.
Despite the initiative’s intentions, Deputy Opposition Leader Keith Iduhu criticized the buyback program, suggesting that replacing illegal guns with business funding undermines existing crime laws. He contended that the firearms crisis should be approached through structural reform and more effective law enforcement. Singirok echoed this sentiment by stating that the amnesty, while a vital step, is only a temporary solution. He called for comprehensive reforms in legislation and enforcement to ensure firearms do not continue to jeopardize community safety.
This initiative poses both challenges and opportunities for Papua New Guinea, with hopes that the buyback scheme will lead to a safer environment for citizens and a future free of the fear and impact of illegal weapons.
Leave a comment